Svitlana Mashkovska, Hanna Horai, Svitlana Pyda

Assessment of the introduction success and prospects of use of Verbena (Verbenaceae) species in Ukraine

Abstract This study presents the results of investigating the morphological and biological characteristics of 11 ornamental species of the genus Verbena L. under introduction conditions in the forest–steppe zone of Ukraine at the M.M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, and evaluates their potential for use in landscaping. The species differed in height, habit, and corolla colouration, formed two phenorhythmic groups, completed a full annual cycle as therophytes, and flowered for 60–120 days. Introduction success was assessed using a 4-point scale. Ornamental traits were evaluated in terms of corolla colourfastness, total number of flowers per plant, flowering abundance, and plant habit; biological characteristics were assessed in terms of flowering duration, reproductive capacity, drought and cold tolerance, and resistance to pests and diseases. Ornamental traits scored 8–12 out of 12 possible points, and biological traits scored 10–16 out of 16 possible points. All species demonstrated high drought and cold tolerance as well as strong resistance to pests and diseases. Based on a comprehensive assessment, Verbena bracteata Cav. ex Lag. & Rodr., Verbena canadensis (L.) Britton, Verbena bonariensis L., Verbena rigida Spreng., Verbena tenera Spreng., and Verbena tenuisecta Briq. were identified as highly promising, whereas Verbena hastata L., Verbena elegans Kunth, Verbena stricta Vent., Verbena laciniata (L.) Britton and Verbena urticifolia L. were recognised as promising for landscape design.

Doi https://doi.org/10.35513/Botlit.2026.1.2

Keywords biological traits, drought tolerance, introduction success, morphological features, ornamental traits, phenology, Ukraine

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